July+25

Dear Diary, My morning began early, another day’s drive to Andover for the Writing Institute. However, the days are dwindling fast. Mary and I listened to CD’s Gerri loaned to the group, they were all right. You know, we have never made it to class for sacred writing time so for those of you who have been able to enjoy this luxury, I hope today’s journaling was reflective for you. Mary reviewed the previous day, I will refer to Dr. Kear as the “Grand Poopah”, it seems as though this is the honoree title he wants to be addressed. The “Grand Poopah” had the class fill out information forms and surveys on the Writing Project. On my own survey, I ranked the institute with 5’s, it has truly been an inspirational and rejuvenating experience. Julie provided today’s writing prompt. Julie has such cool ideas, any student will be lucky to have her as a teacher this year. The prompts focused on a series of illustrations from a portfolio entitled, __The Mysteries of Harris Burdick,.__ The purpose for our writing time was to create a story contributing to the mood of the illustration a person chose to write about. Melanie shared a crazy story about worms riding on a unicycle?? and Amy V. as a bug being smashed on a windshield. I am not sure what anyone else was thinking, I know for myself, that story was weird--very weird. Judy and Sally had quite a contrast, yet shared descriptions about the pumpkin and the events unveiled to carve the pumpkin. Although a lot of hype, no pumpkin carving yet, it sounds like the pumpkin comes out a winner! Steve, Amy M., and Mary all took us to the girl, with a forbidden book, taken from a forbidden library. The ideas were all dark and eery, but I liked their direction with this story-line, they all need to write chapter two. More journal entries were shared. Jeff delivered house-keeping items. Several of you were encouraged to publish, yes publish writing in other places. GO FOR IT!! We received several assignments back, I say “yeah” for quick turn around feedback! Shea began her teaching demo, the main concept of her writing unit focused on student’s abilities to model the author’s style in __The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups.__I myself have never heard the truth as to why we eat vegetables, now I know, “Either eat veggies or be eaten by the veggies!” Overall the writing was done collaboratively, we worked on ideas about human rules and why they actually exist. Our group has vivid explanations for chewing with your mouth closed, not wadding up napkins at restaurants, or picking noses. There were more rules described, yet these stories seemed to catch our attention. Shea, finds interesting books to read with her students, all of her students will want to hear these outrageous stories this year. Author’s chair was read by Nancy. She chose excerpts from the book, __Land of Grass & Sky,__ A great book as it focuses on sensory details and vivid description. After lunch Amy M. shared her article summary on “Popular Literacies and the “All” Children”….., it sounded like a confusing article to summarize, Jeff interrupted with a horrible joke, what an odd connection to San Francisco. An interesting discussion was held on addressing formal and informal language in school, and at what points at what grade levels do we model and teach students to write for different purposes and audiences. Sadly, the “Grand Poopah” informed the group that today was his last day. When he speaks, he speaks with “weight” and when he reads his writing contains such dry humor. It was nice having you as a shoulder buddy, Dr. Kear. I look forward to seeing you in the fall. Time spent in the library for last minute writing, another day is done………